Showing posts with label application. Show all posts
Showing posts with label application. Show all posts

Monday, April 20, 2009

iPhone Game Review: Smack Me

Think of Bop It, but on your iphone

What is the 17th best selling iPhone paid application? What was the best application of February 2009 on Blogcritics? What gives you a retro feel, yet also gives you hours of great and addictive game play? If you cheated and looked, then you already know that the answer is Smack Me, a sweet iPhone and iPod Touch game from FunMobility.



Smack Me is a modernistic version of the classic Bop It game. The iPhone shows you an image and an accompanying command – lift me, freeze me, smack me, pinch me, etc.. Your job simply is to do exactly what it is asking of you, within a time frame, while listening to absurd retro music that keeps speeding up. Though it is easy at first, it keeps getting harder and harder as you unlock more difficult levels.

Smack Me has a very basic premise and concept behind it, but that is what makes it so much fun. You can sit there for hours simply following very basic commands, but never see repeats or patterns. This seems easy, but it is really not. The fact that you need to get it right every time, that the sequences get faster, and that the music has alternating beats really throws you off, which in turn really makes it a difficult game. I love how hard it is to play this game, as it gives it not only the retro feel, but also the ability to play over and over.

With these ever changing patterns, Smack Me is also an extremely addictive game to play. Nothing is ever the same from one minute to the next, and there are never any repetitive patterns. Additionally, with the difficulty of the actual game, it was very hard to finish games 100% on the hardest difficulty. Due to this, I kept replaying Smack Me because I wanted to complete the game 100%, do it better, and do it faster. Addictability is essential in any simple game, as it is the only way to keep you playing the game for hours.

I am a retro guy front to back; I like Jumpman, Pac Man, and techno. If something is playing music at me in an 8-bit format, I will instantly fall in love with it. One of the things that I really like about Smack Me is the fact that it has an amazing retro feel. The game is simple and easy, with commands that remind me of things I would find on my old Sega Genesis. The music is technoy, which not only amuses me, but reminds me of my Daft Punk era. Lastly, the voice that commands you in Smack Me is projected in 8-bit format, which means that I love the game. Toss in the fact that the high-score table looks like the ones that you would find on old arcade games and you have a great mix.

The only thing that I find concerning about this game is the fact that the price is too high for most people in the app store. People seem to either want free games or things that cost $.99. Very few games or applications are successful over that price point, and, at $1.99, Smack Me puts itself above the upper limits. Due to this, I do not believe that Smack Me will be able to reach the entire target audience, as most of them will not pay that much. That said, however, I believe that Smack Me is worth the cost, and that it will give you hours of enjoyment.

In the end, I really can not praise Smack Me too much. This is one of the best games available on the iPhone and it is probably going to be a strong candidate for best iPhone application/game of 2009. By utilizing all of the fun principles of the iPhone, from muti-touch to the accelerator, the game really gets you into it. This game is easily one of the most addictive out there, on any platform, and it is a game that you will fall in love with immediately. When I first downloaded Smack Me, I played it for several hours on end. Due to the amazing game play and addictive qualities, Smack Me receives 5-out-of-5 stars.


Smack Me has not been rated by the ESRB. The game is currently only available for the iPhone and the iPod Touch
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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

iPhone Application Review: Dub – No More Business Cards

Sick and tired of a fat wallet due to all the business cards that you need to carry? Want to stop wasting trees and harming the environment? Just want to make yourself look cool and use sweet new technology? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, or simply want a much easier way to exchange business information, then I have the perfect iPhone application for you.



Dub is a new application that is, essentially, a business card on your phone. You can swap phone numbers with clients, give your email address to new buyers, and even update your information on the fly, with the new changes automatically being sent to your contacts. Dub is available on most smart phones (Blackberry, iPhone, Android, etc.) and can also be used by most texting phones. You can use it to sync data to your contact list, send group invites, and it is even integrated with Facebook and Linkedin. Dub updates the business cards to the new millennia.

Dub is actually quite simple to learn and use. When you download the application, you are able to immediately start to edit your contact information. Enter you name, phone number, email, addresse, IM program name, etc. and you are done. Everything has an easy box to fill in and is extremely easy to do. You don’t even need to fill everything in; just enter the information that you want others to see. Once you get all of this done, you can send invites (give your card to somebody) by entering an email address. Others can do the same (giving you their card) by entering yours. Everything is quite easy to use.

I really like how easy the application is to use. With everything in nice, neat boxes, I quickly was able to enter my information and jump to the next spot. This is essential in any application that needs this much data, as otherwise it would be tedious and pointless. Along with this, the overall layout and feel of the application helped me use it. By being formatted for the iPhone, Dub felt smooth and well polished. I was able to use the easy navigation buttons, and the scroll lists were a huge plus. By making it feel natural, it only makes it easier to use; this, in turn, then leads to more people using it.

Another thing that I like about Dub is the fact that it is integrated with almost everything. I can have things automatically update to my twitter, sync with my Outlook, and work within Linkedin. Heck, it even is integrated with Facebook. Even nicer, Dub allows me to automatically update all of my contact information from Gmail, Outlook, iMail, etc. Features like this help the transition users to the new technology, as Dub does everything automatic and quickly. Hopefully this will help to expand the use of Dub, as that will help it even more.

On the other hand, there are a few problems with Dub. For starters, there are not many people using the software. While I believe that it will grow in the future, any and all startups start quite slowly, and gradually build their base. Dub is no different, but that actually harms the application. While I can get and send contact info, which is changeable, to fellow Dub users, most people I get in contact with will not have the application. How am I supposed to get rid of business cards if most of my clients still use them, and have yet to update. While this is not their fault, until more people jump on the Dub bandwagon, it will be hard to replace business cards with new technology.

Another thing that I am concerned about is the fact that I can only have one profile. I am a writer for Blogcritics, a blogger, a sportwriter, an intern, a student, and a campaign worker. With 5 jobs, each with corresponding contact information, how am I supposed to fit them all on this application? Dub only has spot for one URL, one e-mail, etc. and so it is not that conducive for people with multiple contact needs, and anything like that. I hope that DubMeNow is able to come up with mulitprofile method that allows you to have information for all of your different needs. This would further the application, and make it much more useful.

Overall, I believe that Dub is a nice step towards modernizing our business communications. By linking with everything that we use, making it easy, and ensuring that updates are quick and automatic, Dub is striving to create a brand new niche for itself. I really like the application, and only have a few concerns about it; hopefully DubMeNow will be able to fix my concerns shortly. I believe that any and all business people should get Dub on their smart phones and use it instead of business cards. This saves the environment and makes life so much easier. Due to the ease of use, the automatic updates, and the immigration into everyday life, I believe that Dub is a highly important application that you should grab today.

Dub is available for free from the iPhone app store and is also available on most smart phones in America
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Thursday, March 12, 2009

iPhone Application Review: Thirsty Pocket

Are you tired of the dogma that craigslist has on online classifieds? Sick of the ever increasing fees charges by ebay, or their ever changing rules? Just want an online classified that you can easily use from your iPhone or iPod Touch? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, or you just want to try a new online marketplace, then Thirsty Pocket is the application you need.



Thirsty Pocket is just like ebay, amazon, and craigslist, but much easier and much better to use. The application connects you to a simple online marketplace, where you can sell, browse, and/or buy many different items. A simple quick search gathered over 1,000 items near me ranging from a 69 Austin Martin (I wish I had that sort of money) to a scientific calculator. The market is open, more user friendly, and a lot less draconian then most online markets. This is a huge plus.

The way that Thirsty Pocket works is quite simple. Take a picture with your iPhone camera, upload it to the server, enter some information (price, e-mail for contact, small description), and then sell it. BOOM, done. Some buyer will come strolling past (in an online fashion, of course) and look at your item. Heck, he might even buy it. When that happens, the money moves hands, and everything is done. Both you and the buyer leave as happy people.

One of the nice feature in Thirsty Pocket is the simplicity and ease of use. Literally, I can get a posting up, and start selling, in about two minutes (they advertise one minute, but I have yet to be able to do that). Furthermore, I never need to hook up to a computer or use my digital camera. This simplicity is a huge jump from other online sites, where you need a computer and it takes much longer to get everything set up. Not only does this serve to help distance Thirsty Pocket from the crowd, but it also makes sure that we can all use it on the run, which is what most sellers on iPhones want to do.

Another nice feature is the actual layout of the application. Looking at Thirsty Pocket, you can tell that it was designed with the iPhone in mind. From the ease of the submission, to the overall layout, the online marketplace is perfect for you iPhone. Additionally, it utilizes the flick gesture perfectly, and this is pretty sweet. I think that proper integration is essential for every and any application or game on the iPhone. It makes sure that it fits into the theme and ensures that every user known what to do and how to do it. I am really glad that the makers of Thirsty Pocket took so much time to make sure that the layout and integration was so well done.

Yet another nice feature (I know, they seem to be piling on) is the fact that there is no middle man in Thirsty Pocket, but there is no long-term account and/or fees. This is similar to Craig’s List, and vastly different then all other (save for the aforementioned website) auction and selling websites. Anybody can use it, provided they have the e-mail address and access to the system. There are no fees and long-term agreements that you need to make with the makers of the application, so you can feel comfortable in getting the most bang for your buck. You also will not need to worry about absurd rules being changed, added, and the other stuff that Ebay likes to do to the loyal users. No, with Thirsty Pocket, it is just you and the buyer; they just serve as the host.

This is not always a good thing, however. There can be scams, bad listings, and just bad people; this could turn into the iPhone’s version of classified ads. I am a little worried about a system with no internal policing of people, and no overall insurance over my item. I hate the draconian rules and fees of Ebay, but I do like the protection that it offers. I am not really sure how to fix this concern, save to make people get accounts. The accounts, however, will ruin some of what I really like about Thirsty Pocket. If only we could trust each other.

My only other issue with Thirsty Pocket is the fact that there are not many users. As the application gains ground, it should become better, but right now there is really not that many. To me, I want to be able to find a fair share of what I am looking for for sale, thus allowing me to get the best deal possible. Currently, I am stuck shopping at an oligarchy of online sellers. On the other hand, if I am selling, I want many buyers, so that I can up the price. Thirsty Pocket does not yet have the traffic I would want. When they launch the website (coming soon), I am hoping that this changes.

Overall, I think that Thirsty Pocket has a lot of potential. I love the fact that I no longer need to deal with the draconian rules of Ebay, and that all of the money goes into my pocket. I love the ease of use and the overall feel of the application. I really, really like the fact that there is no long term deal for me to sign. However, the security of my trade does worry me a little bit. I am hoping that an increase in traffic will make Thirsty Pocket a much more used and better application. Currently, due to the slower than desired traffic, I give Thirsty Pocket four out of five stars.


Thirsty Pocket is available on the iPhone and iPod Touch, it will soon be coming to the World Wide Web

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Top 10 iPhone Applications from February 2009

Hello, and welcome to the second installment of iWant, iNeed, iRecommend. This is a monthly series that will, simply put, talk briefly and present the top ten iPhone and iPod Touch applications from that month. At the end of the year, the 120 mentioned applications will then go head to head to see which apps become the top ten for the year. If you want to read my post about the top ten iPhone apps from 2008, please visit it here. Or, if you would like to read my previous top-10 lists, please visit them here. While this list is subjective (as are all top ten lists), I did my best to base this on actual use, not my own opinion.
Enjoy.




10: Most Wanted
Most Wanted is an interesting application. Unlike most applications, which require user input, this one is simply a database of information for you. As its name implies, it is a list of the FBI’s most wanted criminals and the most wanted terrorists. It also has a list of missing children, along with their respective photographs. You can submit a tip or just browse the lists. This is an important application for the iPhone, as it could help to solve cases that might otherwise be left cold. You can get Most Wanted for free.


9: iHistory
Imagine having history in the palm of your hand! Well, more specifically, on the screen of your iPhone. That is what iHistory is trying to do, and they are currently doing a good job of it. Though there is not nearly as much information as I would like to see, they have plans to add much, much more history to this application. Imagine being able to see the history of your city, while you were walking around it. iHistory can be yours for $1.99.

8: Jules Verne Masterpieces Collection
When I was much younger, I loved to travel the world, and the solar system, through the pages of Jules Verne. He would take me under the ocean, to the moon, and even to the center of the Earth itself. His novels moved me and inspired me greatly. The Masterpieces Collection is a grouping of his greatest novels, in e-book format, and is readable on your iPhone and iPod Touch. These are all great reads, and classic texts. You can get Jules Verne Masterpieces Collection for $1.99 from the apple store.



7: March Madness
It is time for the big dance, so let’s start the gambling. Actually, don’t start betting, as it is illegal to bet on college sports. Let’s just do the brackets for the bragging rights. March Madness is a piece of software for you iPhone or iPod Touch that allows you to access and create a bracket for the upcoming tournament. Featuring auto complete, enhanced zooming, and automatic score keeping, this application is perfect for your office poll. You can get March Madness for free.



6: Pocket Bracket
March Madness is almost here, and it is time to start making your brackets. I found that there were two great applications for the dance in the APP store, and found that they were both roughly equal. Like March Madness, Pocket Bracket allows you to auto-complete, auto-update, and generally form a good bracket. The advantage that Pocket Bracket has is the fact that it can support multiple brackets as though it was a poll, and keeps stuff online as well. You can get Pocket Bracket for $.99.



5: Nano
I will be reviewing Nano in the near future. Please check back on my writer’s page to see the review.

Nano is a very interesting application. I am not sure if it is a game or a meditation device, but I liked it either way. Basically, you direct streams of ions to receivers, trying to get only the good ones (cool colors) in, while keeping the bad ones (hot colors) out. In the background, a random music plays; it is created by how you play and what is streaming into the receivers at any given moment. To me, this was a really relaxing game, and I think that you will all enjoy it. You can get Nano for $.99 in the app store.



4: 3 and 4 card PRO
I have reviewed both 3 Card PRO and 4 Card PRO, check them both out.

Poker, that is what Avalinx has been doing in their PRO series, and that is what they will keep on doing. And why should they change? After all, they keep putting out amazing games that are perfect. This is my third top-10 list, and on everyone so far one of the PRO games has been included. These games are well designed, well implemented, and quite stunning. Basically, if you want to see what a perfect template for a game is, look no further than the PRO series from Avalinx. Both games will set you back $4.99.



3: All of the GO/Find/Locator Applications
You are in a strange city and have no idea where anything is. What if you need a doctor? What about the nearest police station? Hell, what if you need your 7/11 fix right this minute. No matter what you are looking for, Active Guru has an application that can find you the closest one by using your iPhone GPS. From your nearest pub to the nearest Burger Kind, the nearest hospital to the nearest vet, there is an application that will find you exactly where you need to go. The GO/Find/Locator applications will set you back either $.99 or $1.99, depending on which one you get.



2: Travel Help!
Following the lost theme from number three, what should you do if you are lost in another country? Do you know the proper emergency number (911 in the US, 999 in the UK) to call? What if you lost your passport, do you know how to contact the embassy? Rest assured, if you have your iPhone and the Travel Help! Application you are covered. Storing important phone numbers, websites, and other information you can easily access over 260 countries worth of emergency contacts. Likewise, you can also store additional information (coast guard data, auto services, etc.) that you add on. This application is essential for any world traveler. Travel Help! Will cost you $1.99 but is easily worth it.



And the #1 application of February 2009 is…
1: Smack Me
I will be reviewing Smack Me in the near future, please check back on my writer’s page to see the review.

I can not say enough about Smack Me. This is one of the best games I have ever played on my iPhone and is quickly becoming my favorite application of the year (sorry PRO series). The game is just like bob-it, but on the phone. Utilizing multi-touch, the accelerator, and just simple touch (one finger) the game uses anything you can do to your phone. Pinch it, smack it, freeze it, lift it; the game has everything possible. This is easily one of the most addictive games out there, on any platform, and one that you will love immensely. When I first got it, I didn’t put it down for an hour or two. The $1.99 that you will be spending on Smack Me is well worth it, and I recommend that you get it today.
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